“It was just a joke, but it didn't feel like a joke to me.”
— Mila reflects on Daniel's initial unwanted attention and how it made her feel.
Archivist's Choice
Maybe He Just Likes You
Barbara Dee (2019)
Genre
Children's / Young Adult
Reading Time
6-7 hours
Key Themes
See below
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Seventh-grader Mila navigates the confusing and uncomfortable world of unwanted male attention, discovering her voice and the power of allies when 'flirting' crosses the line into harassment.
Synopsis
Seventh grader Mila experiences unwanted attention from her male classmates, starting with an uninvited hug and escalating to disruptive comments and physical invasions of her space, especially during band practice, her sanctuary. Her friend Zara dismisses it as flirting, making Mila feel isolated and confused about her reactions. Seeking an outlet, Mila enrolls in karate, which helps her build confidence, but her friends still fail to grasp how uncomfortable she feels. After a distressing incident at the Halloween dance, Mila finally confides in her parents and school counselor, Mrs. Rourke, leading to a school intervention. While some peers react negatively, Mila finds unexpected allies and grows into an advocate for herself and others. The story ends with efforts to resolve the harassment and rebuild fractured friendships, as Mila learns to assert her boundaries and navigate peer relationships and unwanted attention.
Reading time
6-7 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Thought-provoking, Empowering, Realistic, Sensitive
✓ Read this if...
You're a middle-grade reader or parent looking for a sensitive and realistic portrayal of navigating unwanted attention and harassment in school, and the importance of speaking up.
✗ Skip this if...
You are looking for a lighthearted read without serious social themes.
Plot Summary
The First Unwanted Hug
Seventh grader Mila experiences an unwanted hug from a boy named Kyle on the school blacktop. She feels a knot in her stomach, but tries to dismiss it. The next day, Kyle gives her another hug, and other boys, including Owen, start making comments and smirking at her. Mila feels increasingly uncomfortable, especially when Owen starts following her around. Her best friend, Zara, dismisses Mila's concerns, suggesting that the boys are just flirting and Mila is overreacting. Mila is confused and upset, as the attention feels anything but pleasant. She confides in her other friend, Mari, who is more sympathetic but also unsure how to help.
Escalating Attention and Band Practice Disruptions
The unwanted attention from Kyle, Owen, and their friends continues to grow. They follow Mila in the halls, make crude comments, and try to touch her. Mila starts to dread going to school and avoids certain areas. Her sanctuary, band practice, also becomes a target. Owen, who plays trombone, starts making faces at her during practice, disrupting her focus and her 'blue-sky' feeling of peace while playing her flute. Mila tries to ignore them, but the constant harassment wears her down. She feels isolated, as Zara continues to tell her to just accept the attention as harmless flirting.
Seeking Solace in Karate
Feeling increasingly helpless and frustrated by the boys' behavior and her friends' lack of understanding, Mila decides to join a karate class. She is initially nervous but quickly finds a sense of control and strength in learning self-defense techniques. In the class, she meets a girl named Gabby, who is older and more confident. Gabby quickly becomes a supportive figure for Mila, offering a different perspective than Zara and Mari. Mila starts to feel more empowered and less like a victim, but the harassment at school continues, making it difficult to fully apply her newfound confidence.
The Halloween Dance Incident
The school's Halloween dance becomes an important moment. Mila, dressed as a scientist, tries to enjoy herself, but the boys' behavior intensifies. Owen corners her and tries to grab her, making her feel trapped and terrified. She manages to escape, but the incident leaves her shaken. This public display of harassment finally makes Zara realize the seriousness of the situation, though she still struggles to fully grasp the emotional impact on Mila. Mila feels humiliated and angry, realizing she can no longer ignore or downplay what is happening.
Confiding in Her Parents and Mrs. Rourke
After the Halloween dance, Mila can no longer keep silent. She tearfully confides in her parents, explaining the full extent of the boys' harassment. Her parents are shocked and supportive, immediately taking her concerns seriously. They encourage her to speak with Mrs. Rourke, the school counselor. Mila, though nervous, agrees. During her meeting with Mrs. Rourke, Mila details the incidents, feeling a sense of relief to finally be heard by an adult who validates her feelings and assures her that what she is experiencing is not normal 'flirting' but harassment.
School Intervention and Peer Reactions
Following Mila's report, Mrs. Rourke and the school administration launch an investigation. Kyle and Owen are called in, and consequences are discussed. The school also implements a new anti-harassment policy and starts holding assemblies on appropriate behavior. News of the incident spreads among the students, leading to mixed reactions. Some students, particularly other girls, express solidarity with Mila, revealing they've experienced similar issues. However, some boys and even some girls defend Owen and Kyle, accusing Mila of overreacting. Zara and Mari, while supportive, struggle with the social fallout.
Mila's Growing Advocacy
Empowered by the support from her parents, Gabby, and Mrs. Rourke, Mila starts to become an advocate. She shares her story with a school group, inspiring other girls to come forward with their own experiences of unwanted attention. She uses her karate training not just for physical defense but as a metaphor for standing her ground. Mila realizes that her experience is not unique and that many girls suffer in silence. She starts to feel a sense of purpose in helping to create a safer environment for everyone at school.
Confrontation and Resolution Efforts
Mila eventually has a direct, brief confrontation with Owen, where she firmly tells him his behavior was unacceptable. While Owen doesn't fully apologize, Mila feels a sense of closure in speaking her truth directly to him. The school continues its efforts, with Mrs. Rourke leading discussions and workshops on respect and consent. There's a noticeable shift in the school's atmosphere, though it's clear that changing ingrained behaviors will take time. Mila understands that one incident won't fix everything, but her actions have sparked important conversations.
Rebuilding Friendships and Moving Forward
Mila's friendships with Zara and Mari are tested but ultimately strengthened. Zara, initially dismissive, comes to understand the seriousness of Mila's experiences and becomes a more empathetic friend. Mari continues to be a quiet but steadfast supporter. Mila also deepens her friendship with Gabby from karate, finding a different kind of camaraderie. As the school year progresses, Mila feels more confident and secure. She continues to enjoy band, now free from the constant disruptions, and embraces her role as someone who stood up for herself and others, paving the way for a more respectful school environment.
Principal Figures
Mila
The Protagonist
Mila transforms from a hesitant and confused victim into a confident and empowered advocate for herself and other girls.
Zara
The Supporting
Zara evolves from an uncomprehending friend to a supportive ally, learning to recognize and validate Mila's experiences.
Owen
The Antagonist
Owen remains largely unrepentant, representing the challenge of changing deeply ingrained behaviors and attitudes.
Kyle
The Supporting
Kyle's actions trigger the main conflict, and he faces consequences from the school, although his personal growth isn't a focal point.
Mari
The Supporting
Mari remains a quiet but consistently supportive presence for Mila, offering emotional understanding.
Gabby
The Supporting
Gabby helps Mila find her inner strength and voice, acting as a catalyst for her personal empowerment.
Mrs. Rourke
The Supporting
Mrs. Rourke acts as a pivotal adult figure, helping Mila navigate the reporting process and driving institutional change within the school.
Mila's Parents
The Supporting
Mila's parents provide a consistent source of unconditional love and support, empowering her to seek help and stand up for herself.
Themes & Insights
Consent and Bodily Autonomy
The novel directly addresses consent, especially regarding physical touch and personal space. Mila's discomfort with Kyle's unwanted hugs and Owen's attempts to grab her shows the violation of her bodily autonomy. The story states that 'no' means no, and that unwanted attention, regardless of intent, is unacceptable. It challenges the idea that girls should tolerate or even welcome such attention, showing Mila's journey to understand and assert her right to control her own body and personal boundaries, as seen when she tells Owen to stop.
“'It wasn't flirting. It was harassment. And it made me feel like I wasn't in charge of my own body anymore.'”
The Spectrum of Harassment
The book details how seemingly minor incidents, like unwanted hugs and smirks, can grow into a pattern of harassment, including following, verbal comments, and physical intimidation. It debunks the myth that only overt, severe actions constitute harassment, showing how a series of 'small' actions can create a hostile and uncomfortable environment. Mila's confusion and her friends' initial dismissal ('maybe he just likes you') show how society often normalizes or downplays such behavior, making it difficult for victims to identify and report it.
“'It wasn't just a hug. It was a hug I didn't want. And then it was a smirk, and then a comment, and it kept getting bigger and bigger, like a snowball rolling down a hill.'”
Finding Your Voice and Empowerment
Mila's journey is about finding her voice and learning to advocate for herself. Initially, she feels confused, isolated, and unable to say she is uncomfortable. Her decision to join karate, confide in her parents, and speak with Mrs. Rourke are steps in this process. The book shows that empowerment comes not only from physical self-defense but also from verbal assertion, seeking support, and refusing to be silenced. Mila's eventual courage to speak up and inspire others is an example of this theme.
“'I realized that my voice was a weapon, too. Maybe even more powerful than a karate chop.'”
Bystander Effect and Friendship Loyalty
The novel explores the complex dynamics of friendship when harassment occurs. Zara's initial dismissal of Mila's concerns ('maybe he just likes you') exemplifies the bystander effect and the difficulty friends can have in validating experiences they don't personally understand. The book shows how peer pressure and a desire to fit in can prevent friends from acting as allies. However, it also shows the potential for growth, as Zara eventually comes to understand and support Mila, demonstrating that true friendship involves empathy and standing up for each other, even when it is uncomfortable.
“'I wished Zara understood. I wished she believed me instead of telling me it was nothing.'”
The Role of Supportive Adults and Institutions
A significant theme is the role of supportive adults and school structures in addressing harassment. Mila's parents immediately believe and support her, and Mrs. Rourke, the school counselor, acts as a professional and empathetic guide. Their actions—listening, validating, and taking concrete steps—are important for Mila's healing and for creating systemic change within the school. The narrative shows that victims should not have to fight these battles alone and that schools have a responsibility to create safe environments and enforce clear anti-harassment policies.
“'It's not your fault, Mila. And it's not okay. We're going to help you fix this.'”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
First-Person Narrative
Provides direct access to Mila's internal thoughts and feelings.
The story is told from Mila's first-person perspective, allowing readers to experience her confusion, discomfort, fear, and eventual empowerment firsthand. This narrative choice is crucial for conveying the emotional toll of the harassment and for building empathy. It highlights the internal struggle Mila faces in understanding what is happening to her and in finding the courage to speak up, making her journey of self-discovery and advocacy deeply personal and relatable.
The 'Blue-Sky' Feeling
A recurring symbol of peace, focus, and Mila's inner sanctuary.
The 'blue-sky' feeling represents Mila's state of flow and peace when she plays her flute, a mental space where she feels completely herself and free from worries. The disruption of this feeling by Owen's harassment during band practice symbolizes the invasion of her personal sanctuary and the loss of her sense of safety. Its eventual return signifies her reclaiming her peace and confidence, showing that she has regained control over her internal world despite external pressures.
Karate Class
A literal and symbolic tool for Mila's empowerment and self-defense.
Karate class serves as both a literal plot device for Mila to learn self-defense techniques and a powerful symbol of her growing empowerment. It provides her with physical skills and, more importantly, a sense of confidence, discipline, and the ability to stand her ground. The dojo becomes a safe space where she can channel her frustration into strength, and her friendship with Gabby further solidifies her support system, illustrating that power isn't just about physical strength but also mental resilience and community.
The Halloween Dance
A turning point where the harassment escalates and is publicly witnessed.
The Halloween dance functions as a critical turning point in the narrative. The public nature of Owen's aggressive behavior towards Mila at the dance forces her friends, particularly Zara, to confront the reality and severity of the harassment. It's the incident that pushes Mila to her breaking point, motivating her to finally confide in her parents and seek adult intervention. The festive setting juxtaposed with the terrifying incident amplifies the violation Mila experiences.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Maybe he just likes you. That's what everyone kept saying.”
— Mila recounts the common, dismissive advice she received about Daniel's behavior.
“I used to think that 'like' meant a good thing. Now I'm not so sure.”
— Mila questions the meaning of 'liking' in the context of unwanted attention.
“It's not flirting if only one person is doing it.”
— Mila's friend offers a clear distinction about consent and interaction.
“Sometimes, when you don't say anything, it's like saying yes.”
— Mila realizes the importance of speaking up and setting boundaries.
“The hardest part wasn't what he did, it was how everyone reacted.”
— Mila expresses her frustration with the lack of support and understanding from others.
“You don't have to be mean to be a bully.”
— Mila's teacher explains that unwanted attention, even if not overtly malicious, can still be a form of bullying.
“My voice felt small, but I knew I had to use it.”
— Mila finds the courage to speak up about Daniel's actions.
“It's not about whether he meant to be creepy; it's about how it made you feel.”
— An adult helps Mila understand that her feelings are valid, regardless of Daniel's intentions.
“Sometimes the truth is messy, but it's still the truth.”
— Mila learns that confronting difficult situations can be complicated but necessary.
“Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should.”
— A lesson learned about respecting personal space and boundaries.
“It's okay to say no, even to someone you like.”
— Mila understands that consent is crucial in all relationships, even friendly ones.
“I wasn't asking for trouble. I was just trying to be myself.”
— Mila reflects on how her normal actions were misinterpreted or led to unwanted attention.
“The only way things change is if someone is brave enough to make them.”
— Mila realizes that her actions can lead to positive change for herself and others.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
"Maybe He Just Likes You" is about seventh-grader Mila who experiences unwanted physical attention and comments from boys at her middle school, particularly from a classmate named Kyle. Initially dismissed by her friends as 'flirting,' Mila struggles to understand and articulate what she's experiencing, eventually finding her voice and seeking help to address the harassment.
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